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2004 Mazda Tribute acceleration problems

34 complaints (22% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 90,000. 8 crashes reported.

owner complaints
34
of this car's complaints
22%
typical mileage
90,000
crashes
8
recalls
2

Which part fails

  • Cables
    7
  • Accelerator pedal
    3

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Mazda Tribute acceleration problems in other years

20002001200220032004200520062007200820092010

Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Mazda Tribute acceleration

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Sudden acceleration 6

Related recalls

Vehicle speed control: cablesReported July 27, 2012 · 217,500 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Mazda is recalling certain model year 2001 through 2006, and 2008, Tribute vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control. Inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector could result in a stuck throttle when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. This risk exists regardless of whether or not speed control (cruise control) is used.
Risk
A stuck throttle may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
Remedy
Mazda will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles by increasing the engine cover clearance, free of charge. Remedy parts are now available. The safety recall began on September 13, 2012. Owners may contact Mazda Customer Assistance Center at 1‑800‑222‑5500, option #6.

Recall number 12V357000 · Recall details

Vehicle speed control: cablesReported December 10, 2004 · 121,000 vehicles affected
What is wrong
On certain sport utility vehicles, the accelerator cable may prevent the throttle from returning to the idle position.
Risk
An unexpected increase in engine idle speed may increase stopping distance and may result in a vehicle crash.
Remedy
Dealers will replace the accelerator cable. The recall began on january 28, 2005. Owners should contact mazda at 1‑800‑222‑5500, option #4.

Recall number 04V583000 · Recall details

Related investigations

Cruise Control CableOpened July 17, 2012, closed July 17, 2012

On July 8, 2012, The Center for Auto Safety has petitioned the federal safety agency to open defect investigations on Model Year (MY) 2002 ? 2004 Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute vehicles with certain cruise control cables.The Center for Auto Safety has also petitioned for a hearing to address whether Ford Motor Company (Ford) and Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) met their obligations to notify owners and correct a defect in certain Ford Escape and Mazda Tribute vehicles.The petitions to open investigations are denied as unnecessary and the petitions to conduct hearingsare denied.ODI IDs referenced above are: 10109921, 10116267, 10116574,10121108, 10125928, 10128545, 10130133,10137520, 10153327, 10155295, 10155817, 10159048, 10164205, 10165007, 10177337, 10184382, 10195378,10199728, 10201424, 10203178, 10204179, 10207677, 10214472, 10218668, 10222869, 10229600, 10255417,10256387, 10258046, 10259777, 10260591, 10266150, 10273613, 10291508, 10303282, 10303434, 10316154,10321828, 10323339, 10325817, 10331278, 10334038, 10335779, 10341773, 10342450, 10345004, 10363982,10370338, 10379444, 10432635, 10451652, 10466261, 891605, 10053779, 10125132, 10146998, 10149101,10160004, 10161052, 10170988, 10178811, 10204780, 10215610, 10222996, 10239609, 10252790, 10253666,10262773, 10264280, 10280669, 10289784, 10294932, 10312464, 10316440, 10343662, 10354530, 10413665,10461195

DP12005

Stuck ThrottleOpened July 17, 2012, closed February 21, 2013

In a letter dated July 25, 2012 Ford Motor Company (Ford) submitted a Defect Information Report (DIR), the federal safety agency Recall No. 12V‑353 to the federal safety agency identifying a safety defect involving inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control cable connector, which could result in a stuck throttle condition.The vehicles involved are model year (MY) 2001 through MY 2004 Ford Escape vehicles equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed (cruise) control.A redesigned engine cover was implemented in production beginning in MY 2005, which provided additional clearance of the speed control cable to the engine cover.Similarly on July 26, 2012 Mazda North American Operations (Mazda) on behalf of Mazda Motor Corporation of Hiroshima, Japan submitted a DIR to the federal safety agency, the federal safety agency Recall No. 12V‑357, identifying the safety defect described above in MY 2001 through MY 2006 and MY 2008 Mazda Tribute vehicles (no Tribute vehicles were produced in MY 2007) equipped with 3.0L V6 engines and speed control.Unlike the Ford Escape recall scope, the Mazda Tribute scope is broader as Mazda Tribute vehicles incorporated a similar engine cover design as related to the clearance to the speed control cable in MYs 2001 through 2006 and MY 2008.The failure report summary above reflects reports identified by ODI in review of data submitted to the Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) and reports submitted to Ford and to Mazda.ODI identified 44 reports likely related to the safety defect described in the DIRs; 39 involving Ford Escape vehicles and 5 involving Mazda Tribute vehicles. This Preliminary Evaluation is closed.The ODI report cited above can be reviewed at www-odi.the federal safety agency.dot.gov/owners/Searchreference under the following identification (ODI) numbers: 10116267, 10128545, 10128681, 10137520, 10153327, 10165007, 10199728, 10234846, 10335779, 10466261, and 10468307.

PE12019

What 2004 Mazda Tribute owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Oct 31, 2025 · Acceleration · OR · crash · 4 injuries

I am submitting this formal complaint regarding a potential recall failure involving a 2005 Mazda Tribute driven by my fiancé, [XXX], who died following a crash on [XXX]. Mazda has opened Case #[XXX] in response to my inquiry, and I am requesting federal oversight of this investigation. Joey’s vehicle may have been affected by the federal safety agency Recall 12V357000, which addresses throttle body malfunction and unintended acceleration. Service records show that a dealership performed a recall service, but the parts used may have been ineffective or incomplete. The crash sequence—rear-ending a stopped vehicle followed by veering into oncoming traffic—matches known symptoms of this defect. I am requesting: •A formal review of Mazda’s handling of Recall 12V357000 •Verification of Joey’s VIN-specific recall compliance •Investigation into the dealership’s repair actions and part quality •Oversight of Mazda’s internal case (#[XXX]) and its findings This issue raises serious concerns about manufacturer accountability and public safety. I am submitting supporting documentation and service records for review. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 5, 2021 · Acceleration, Brakes · 189,000 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2004 Mazda Tribute. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle would accelerate unintendedly, and the brakes would fail during the unintended acceleration. The ABS and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the code reader was not able to read any codes. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but informed the contact that the accelerator and brakes were repaired years prior and would not cover the cost for repair. The failure mileage was 189,000.

Filed Aug 18, 2017 · Acceleration · 130,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda tribute. While driving 10 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle lost power without warning. The contact pulled the vehicle over to the side of the road and parked the vehicle in a nearby parking lot. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 130,000.

Filed Feb 24, 2016 · Acceleration · 155,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda tribute. While driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle accelerated even when the brake pedal was depressed numerous times. In order to reduce speed, the gear lever was shifted into the neutral position. The engine revved, but not rapidly. The vehicle resumed normal operation. In 2015, the vehicle was serviced under the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v583000 (vehicle speed control); however, the failure recurred. The contact mentioned that the remedy was insufficient and failed to correct the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 155,000.

Filed Nov 19, 2015 · Acceleration, Body · NY

2004 mazda tribute. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle subframe corrosion issues. *smd the consumer was informed the vehicle could not be repaired. Also, the consumer is seeking reimbursement for the replacement of the idle air control motor and the cleaning of the throttle body.

Filed Jul 12, 2015 · Acceleration, Airbags · 142,000 miles · MD · crash · 1 injury

I was slowing down to stop behind another car at a red light and my car slowed down but did not fully stop. I barely bumped the car in front of me at probably less than 5 miles per hour but my air bags went off. There was no damage to my car other than the air bags exploding and my insurance company wants to total my car because of the air bags exploding. I have second degree burns and a cut from the air bag.

Filed Apr 13, 2015 · Acceleration, Brakes · 161,094 miles · CT

Braking system (ABS) failed (I could have killed someone or myself) no back pressure going up hills resulting in failing suspension all front end has failed all door latches failed I'm terrified to operate this vehicle!!!!! Recall notices where never sent to me and modern motors only completed recall numbers 7514d and 6812g why is it that recalls are closed when I obviously had issues and I never received notices? I purchased my mazda tribute 2004 at modern motors in 2008 as the second owner. I was never informed of these recalls and I think it's only fair that they should be done at no charge. Report receipt date: dec 10, 2004 the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v583000 component(s): vehicle speed control report receipt date: dec 23, 2004 the federal safety agency campaign number: 04v605000 component(s): latches/locks/linkages (my rear glass latches have been broken/defect) report receipt date: mar 29, 2007 the federal safety agency campaign number: 07e023000 component(s): service brakes, hydraulic report receipt date: apr 10, 2007 the federal safety agency campaign number: 07v157000 component(s): service brakes, hydraulic report receipt date: jul 27, 2012 the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v357000 component(s): engine and engine cooling , vehicle speed control report receipt date: apr 04, 2014 the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v174000 component(s): structure since I was the second owner why wasn't I informed of such defects/recalls??? This is what modern motors has typed on my work order that needs to be done. Gasket is leaking, front axle seals are leaking, front and rear pinion seals are leaking, rear shocks are leaking, front sway bar links have play, front and rear molded rubber brake hose are cracked. Exhaust hanger is broken, gas tank strap has been modified because there was no holder to hold the tank up and on. Needs tires and alignment which I can do.

Filed Mar 12, 2015 · Acceleration, Engine · 80,000 miles · ME · fire

Already reported.....this is additional info poor mechanic service had car for month no rental vehicle:2004 trb lx xa safety recall(s) found: 4 special service program (ssp) recall(s) found: 0 last updated: march 11, 2015 mazda recall #: 6812g the federal safety agency recall #: 12v357000 recall date recall description repair description recall status 07/26/12 tribute 3.0l engine cover modification. There may be inadequate clearance between the engine cover and the speed control (sometimes known as cruise control) cable, which could allow the engine to be stuck at full power when the accelerator pedal is fully or almost-fully depressed. Safety risk: a throttle that is stuck fully or almost fully open may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop or slow the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury, or death. This risk exists regardless of whether or not cruise control is used. The dealer will modify the engine cover to provide sufficient clearance for the speed control cable, free of charge. Incomplete for any additional questions regarding a mazda recall or special service program, please contact your local mazda dealer or contact mazda. Mazda recall #: 7514d the federal safety agency recall #: 14v174000 recall date recall description repair description recall status 04/04/14 tribute lower control arm corrosion. Vehicles operated in areas where salt is used to on roadways during winter months may experience excessive corrosion at the attachment of the lower control arm. Safety risk: a separation of the lower control arm can result in a significant loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Dealers will install a newly designed reinforcement cross-brace, free of charge. Incomplete for any additional questions regarding a mazda recall or special service program, please contact your local mazda dealer or contact mazda.

Filed Mar 2, 2015 · Acceleration, Body · 58,000 miles · ME · crash · 1 injury

Tl* the contact owns a 2004 mazda tribute. After the vehicle was serviced under the federal safety agency campaign number: 14v174000 (structure), the technician stated that there was excessive rust on the undercarriage. As a result, the undercarriage needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. In addition, the contact stated that while pulling into the garage at approximately 5 MPH, the vehicle accelerated independently without warning. The brake pedal was depressed and failed to respond. As a result, the contact crashed into the garage and the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained bruising that did not require medical attention. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and stated that the VIN was included in the federal safety agency campaign number: 12v357000 (engine and engine cooling, vehicle speed control). The failure mileage was 58,000.

Filed Feb 11, 2014 · Acceleration · 102,000 miles · MO

Accelerator began to stick as I was approaching downhill. I could not get it to stop and ran a stop sign. I then finally managed to put it in neutral and pull to the side of the road. I have had this to a local mazda dealership 4 times and it stills does the same thing. The dealership changed an iac valve and an intake tube hose. Back in 2012 I had a safety recall for this same situation. I took it to the dealership as instructed and almost exactly one year later I actually started having this problem. I've paid to have this vehicle worked on and the performance is no better than when I originally took it in. In fact, the performance is worse. Not only is this not safe for me to be on the road but everyone else on the road as well. Could someone please help me get this situation under control. It's beginning to become very stressful for me. I'm not usually one to complain but this needs resolved. I've done my part and paid a mechanic. All I expect is the problem to be fixed. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).

Questions about the 2004 Mazda Tribute acceleration

Does the 2004 Mazda Tribute have acceleration problems?

Owners have filed 34 complaints about the acceleration of the 2004 Mazda Tribute, 22% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 2004 Mazda Tribute acceleration problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 90,000 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2004 Mazda Tribute acceleration?

Yes, 2 recalls: 12V357000, 04V583000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Mazda Tribute have the most acceleration problems?

The Mazda Tribute model years with the most acceleration complaints are 2005 (85 complaints), 2008 (53 complaints) and 2006 (49 complaints).

Other 2004 Mazda Tribute problems

Suspension 49Body 45Airbags 22Engine 22Transmission 14Brakes 10Wheels 10Electrical 3Fuel system 3Steering 3Tires 2Visibility 2Driver assistance 1Lights 1Locks 1Seat belts 1

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